Sen. Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson on Thursday branded as unfair the suggestion of Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio that the 2027 budget may be used to pressure senator-judges in her impeachment trial and reward those who vote to convict her.
Lacson said such a sweeping allegation is particularly unwarranted against like-minded lawmakers who have consistently upheld the integrity of the national budget and fought the temptations of “pork” in all its forms.
In Filipino: Lacson: Unfair na Sabihing Gagamitin ang 2027 Budget Para ‘Gantimpalaan’ ang mga Conviction Vote vs VP
“A sweeping statement from no less than the country’s second-highest official is unfair to those of us who have consistently upheld the integrity of the national budget and served as its vanguards,” he said.
“That said, in all my years as a senator, I have never succumbed to the allure of pork barrel, in whatever shape and form. On the contrary, I have consistently opposed and fought against it,” he added.
On Wednesday, the Vice President cited “allegations” of “cash distribution and political maneuvering” surrounding the proposed 2027 national budget.
In a social media post, she questioned whether the budget was being used to serve the Filipino people, “or has it become a bargaining chip” to pressure senator-judges.
Lacson has built a track record of refusing the temptations of “pork” in all its forms and bribe offers a.k.a. lobby money in exchange for voting for or against a legislative measure and in the conduct of inquiries in aid of legislation.
He also cited his own experience in the impeachment trial of the late Chief Justice Renato Corona, as proof of his resistance to political incentives or rewards tied to his vote. He declined an offer of P50 million worth of projects during a caucus held after the conclusion of the Corona impeachment trial.
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Lacson: Unfair na Sabihing Gagamitin ang 2027 Budget Para ‘Gantimpalaan’ ang mga Conviction Vote vs VP
Hindi makatarungan ang pahiwatig ni Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio na maaaring gamitin ang 2027 budget para i-pressure ang mga senator-judges at gantimpalaan ang mga boboto pabor sa conviction sa impeachment trial niya, diin ni Sen. Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson nitong Huwebes.
Giit ni Lacson, lalong walang katwiran ang ganitong paglalahat laban sa mga mambabatas na kapareho niya ng paninindigan sa pagtatanggol sa integridad ng pambansang budget at lumalaban sa tukso ng “pork” sa anumang anyo nito.
“A sweeping statement from no less than the country’s second-highest official is unfair to those of us who have consistently upheld the integrity of the national budget and served as its vanguards,” aniya.
“In all my years as a senator, I have never succumbed to the allure of pork barrel, in whatever shape and form. On the contrary, I have consistently opposed and fought against it,” dagdag niya.
Noong Miyerkules, binanggit ng Bise Presidente ang mga “alegasyon” ng “cash distribution and political maneuvering” kaugnay ng panukalang pambansang budget para sa 2027.
Sa isang post sa social media, kinuwestiyon niya kung ginagamit ang budget para pagsilbihan ang sambayanang Pilipino, o naging “bargaining chip” na ito para i-pressure ang mga senator-judge.
May mahabang rekord si Lacson ng pagtanggi sa tukso ng “pork” sa anumang anyo nito, gayundin sa mga alok na suhol o lobby money kapalit ng pagboto pabor o laban sa isang panukalang batas at sa pagsasagawa ng mga pagdinig bilang bahagi ng tungkulin ng Senado na tumulong sa pagbalangkas ng mga batas.
Binanggit din niya ang sarili niyang karanasan noong impeachment trial laban sa yumaong Chief Justice Renato Corona bilang patunay na hindi siya nagpapadala sa mga insentibo o gantimpalang pulitikal na nakatali sa kanyang boto. Noong panahong iyon, tinanggihan niya ang alok na P50 milyong halaga ng mga proyekto sa isang caucus na idinaos matapos ang impeachment trial ni Corona.
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